Miss Universe Scandal: Everything We Know Ahead of the 2025 Finale

The Miss Universe scandal has overshadowed the buildup to Friday’s finale in Bangkok, creating one of the most turbulent editions in the pageant’s 74-year history. Allegations of rigging, a mass contestant walkout, and racist remarks have pushed the event into global controversy just hours before a new winner is crowned.

The competition, often called the “Super Bowl of beauty pageants,” usually draws millions of viewers worldwide. But this year’s drama has raised serious questions about leadership, judging transparency, and the treatment of contestants.

Miss Universe Scandal Takes Center Stage Before Coronation

This year’s competition featured more than 120 contestants and spanned three weeks across Thailand. But the spotlight quickly shifted from gowns and national costumes to the unfolding Miss Universe scandal. CNN, Reuters, and other major outlets covered the events as they escalated.

The controversy intensified after a frightening fall during preliminaries. Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, slipped off the stage during the evening gown round and was taken away on a stretcher. Miss Universe President Raul Rocha later said she was “under good care” and had not suffered broken bones. Fans expressed relief but also renewed concerns about contestant safety.

The scandal deepened when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil berated Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch during a livestreamed meeting, criticizing her for not posting enough promotional content. Many viewers believed he called her a “dumbhead.” He denied using that word, claiming he accused her of “causing damage,” but the confrontation was enough to spark a walkout. Multiple contestants stood and exited the room in solidarity with Bosch.

The backlash extended beyond the Miss Universe community. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, described Nawat’s behavior as an “aggression” and praised Bosch for her “dignity.” The Miss Universe Organization quickly limited Nawat’s role and issued a public statement condemning his treatment of contestants.

Another firestorm ignited when Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado made racist remarks on an Instagram Live session while discussing the controversy. She referred to Nawat as “that despicable Chinese,” and when corrected, doubled down by grouping multiple Asian ethnicities together while pulling her eyes upward. Machado’s comments were widely condemned as racist.

The Miss Universe scandal escalated again when two judges quit just days before the finals. Composer Omar Harfouch claimed the pageant was “rigged,” alleging a secret judging group had already pre-selected the top 30 contestants. He said he refused to “pretend to legitimize a vote” he did not participate in. The Miss Universe Organization strongly rejected the accusation, calling his description inaccurate and insisting all evaluations follow established protocols.

Former French soccer star Claude Makélélé also resigned from the judging panel, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.” His departure added to speculation and intensified scrutiny on the competition’s integrity.

All of this unfolded after a major leadership shift earlier in the year. Thai media mogul Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, who bought the organization in 2022, stepped down in June after her company filed for bankruptcy. Mario Búcaro became CEO in late October, taking on the role just as contestants arrived for the pageant.

Miss Egypt Sabrina Maged is taking part in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Bangkok. (AP)

How This Turmoil Reshapes Miss Universe 2025

The Miss Universe scandal has reshaped global conversations about the role of pageants in modern society. The organization promotes female empowerment, but critics argue the recent events expose deep flaws in contestant treatment, leadership accountability, and fairness.

Fans have also questioned whether the controversy could impact the final scoring or public perception of the eventual winner. The sudden departure of two judges leaves uncertainty about who will be on the final panel and how the last-minute adjustments will be handled.

Delegates who have spent years training for this stage now enter the finale with an unusual cloud over the competition. Yet many contestants have expressed hope the winner will rise above the noise and represent the values the pageant claims to uphold.

The Miss Universe scandal has made this year’s edition one of the most dramatic in recent memory. As the world waits for Friday’s coronation, the organization faces pressure to restore credibility, rebuild trust, and prove that the competition can still stand for empowerment on a global stage.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Miss Universe scandal about?

The scandal involves contestant walkouts, judge resignations, allegations of rigging, and racist remarks made during the lead-up to the 2025 finale. It has overshadowed the event.

Q2: Did a contestant get injured during Miss Universe 2025?

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry fell off the stage during preliminaries. Officials confirmed she is receiving care and did not suffer broken bones.

Q3: Why did judges resign from Miss Universe 2025?

Omar Harfouch resigned citing concerns about alleged rigging, while Claude Makélélé stepped down for personal reasons. The organization denies any wrongdoing.

Q4: What did the Miss Universe Organization say about the allegations?

Leaders rejected claims of secret judging or rigging and said all evaluations follow official protocols. They also addressed behavior concerns involving pageant directors.

Q5: Who leads Miss Universe now?

Mario Búcaro became CEO in October 2025 after Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip stepped down earlier in the year.